On Monday 19th March 2012, the long awaited event – Symposium for Young and Emerging Leaders organized by The Future Project, finally took place at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos.

The event which kicked off at exactly 9 AM was hosted by Tolu Ogunlesi (CNN Journalist of the Year) and Adaure Achumba (E News South Africa Correspondent) and saw in attendance various dignitaries across Nigeria. Some of which were Obiageli Ezekwesili (World Bank Vice President) – who was also the headline speaker, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi (Minister of Youth & Development) and many others.

Chude Jideonwo (Organiser & Director of The Future Project) kicked off the discussion with an engaging call to action from all the participants in the symposium. He said, “This is no time for dead clichés. This is not a gathering of politicians gaming for a piece of the pie; this is a hall pulsating with energy. Let us talk sincerely to ourselves about our own challenges, let us start a discussion that will not end.”

Expressing her upmost delight, Obiageli Ezekwesili said “This generation is optimistic, they are no longer prepared to be spectators, they want to be players, they want to get their hands dirty to make a difference. I am excited about this topic as it presumes that past generations have failed to meet the pass mark expected of them of them by the young generation.” and further said that once there was an agreement that the old generation had failed, the next step would be to address the problem of governance.

From Governor Amaechi’s perspective, the young people are placing the blame on the wrong people. He said “The basic problem is that the Nigerian economic system is flawed. The Arab spring was started by someone who was ready to stick his neck out. You all just gathered here as children of the rich to take over from your fathers”.

The young attendees participated fully in the interactive TED talks format styled session, exchanging ideas with the panelists and offering suggestions of their own. Chinedu Okafor (A Medical Student) said “I have had an unbelievable experience at this symposium, I was able to get exactly what the government thought of us, I did not accept everything I heard, but I learnt an amazing lot”

Other speakers included top individuals in the media, private and development sectors some of which were Dele Momodu (Ovation Publisher), Ndidi Nwuneli (Founder LEAP Africa) and entertainment guru Obi Asika.

PhotosArrivals

Banky W

Uche Nnaji

Mariah Mogoli

Hakeem Shagaya

Deola

Alkasim Abdukadir

Taiwo Gbadamosi

Adamma & Jamilia

Koffi

Tosin Alebiosu-Bioso

Inside

Adaure Achumba & Tolu Ogunlesi

Standing Up for the National Anthem

Governor Kayode Fayemi with other dignitaries

Governor Rotimi Amaechi engaging attendees in a conversation

Azeezah Mohammed making a contribution

Chude Jideonwo delivering his speech

Gov Kayode Fayemi speaking with attendees

Cross Section of Participants at the Symposium

Timi Dakolo performing one of his many singles

Chidinma Achebe

Adebola Williams (Founding Partner of The Future Project) has a chat with Prof. Pat Utomi

PLS BN cld you pls have like a window that gives automated email reminders for events of our choice once we click on it, so as jst to remind us of our favourite events once we register……you can make money from that too*wink* i mean not from us bt frm ur clients, by the time u say you have 1million followers who r coming fr the event,, n ull send automated reminders to each of em, n u may be charge 1naira per head….not a bad deal#justsaying

Sorry I am not n will NEVER be 4 one Nigeria.
The so called Future of ds “Nigeria” is so bleak 4me 2involve myself or acknowledge even with all the hype n awareness n all d sponsors, also in attendance; 2executive governors n I at end I can spot empty seats oooh pls!
Folks in last pic (Chude, Dr. Oby, Obi Asika) should 1st better help 2 enlightened the Youths of their own state Anambra.

Mtcheww, where is the future there, preparing people to be thieves, rather they should be encouraging them by creating a form of competition, like a science competition amongst the youth of nigeria in where they can create or bring new well written and researched ideas on how to advance nigeria scientifically and socially. One nigeria is a dream, but dreamers are what change the world, but at the same time if a dream must be attained the dreamers must work hard to make that happen. I dont see how this future award is helping, if its not giving our youths a chance to shine and show what they can do. I love what Mrs.Liyel Imoke does in crossrivers by making these kids think, by providing worshops and essay contest, showing them that their hardworks are not in vain.